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Islamic State leader calls for jihad in audio message

The leader of the Islamic State, formerly Isis, has released the first audiotape calling for jihad since the group renamed. The group is currently battling Iraqi forces across large parts of the country.

The towns of Rawah, on the Euphrates River, and the nearby town of Anah have also reportedly been captured.

The advances suggested militants planned on marching to a key dam in the city of Haditha, and Iraqi military officials have responded to the threat by sending 2,000 troops to protect the hydraulic power station.